I had to share the following story that warmed my heart this morning. In this week's Goop newsletter Gwyneth has written a touching tribute to her father.

. . .

ParisWhen I was ten years old, my father and I took a trip to Paris, leaving my younger brother and mother in London where she was filming a movie. My dad believed in one-on-one time with us, and sometimes that extended to a weekend away. We stayed at a great hotel and he said I could order whatever I wanted for breakfast (French fries). We went to the Pompidou museum, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre - the usual spots. It was pretty great. On the plane back to London he asked me if I knew why we had gone, just he and I, to Paris for the weekend. I said no, but I felt so lucky for the trip. He said, “I wanted you to see Paris for the first time with a man who would always love you, no matter what.” From that time on, Paris was and continues to be very special to me. I lived there for five months in 1994 and I have made many trips back. These are the places in Paris I stay and eat and toast my dad.

2.25.2009

For the third installment of Mountie Inspiration boards, I chose to explore a Chocolate Brown and Yellow palette with a hit of Red: the Serge.

This palette depicts a summer wedding that is both rustic and elegant. Sunflowers are at the heart of this board, providing warmth and country charm, while the bridal party fashions are both polished and glamorous. I love the result of the amalgamation of rustic elegance. This one is my most favorite, yet.

Wedding Plan, Clockwise from Top Left:

I love the effect of the yellow and red petals against the white aisle runner [via Brides]. So rustic; so romantic. How amazing would the red serge look at the end of this aisle? I swoon.

It comes at no surprise that I have borrowed from this gorgeous wedding once again [via Thankful]. I am officially naming them the Mountie Wedding Poster Couple. I adore their wedding album.

I'm a huge fan of the clutches in Red Ruby Rose's shop. This one would be a great gift for bridesmaids: it would match their dresses and bouquets perfectly.

I'm all for wedding couples creating a Signature Drink. It's a great conversation starter and so great for cocktail hours. A twist on a classic summer cocktail like the mojito [or the margarita] would be fitting for this outdoor wedding [via Martha].

The Cookie Bar [via {cypress and oak}]! I love this idea. Guests will be offered cookies [as a midnight treat or as favors]. I've also seen this done with an ice cream bar which [to me] sounds like heaven.

Erin Keys of Femme Petal creates fabulous jewelery using vintage materials. Her classic and glamorous style transcends through the collection, each piece making a statement. I love her use of pearls, colour, and bold flowers.

I love Carrie's pale pink bubble dress and large flower wrist corsage. How unique would it be to have your bridesmaids walk down the aisle sans bouquets? [I think this gorgeous corsage would be a lovely alternative].

Perhaps I am so smitten with Carrie's look because she pulled it off with a gorgeous pair of beige satin slingback Manolo Blahnik's. Sigh. If only every bride could dress her bridal party in Manolos...

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I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet! Carrie Bradshaw

Go ahead and order coordinating thank you cards (from Perfect Sentiment, of course!) when you pick out the shower invitation. The thank yous will coordinate with the invites and match the theme of the shower. Go ahead and wrap your gift in a gift bag, but leave the envelopes out for now. At the shower set out the envelopes next to the guest book (you can even go ahead and affix a stamp to each) . Instruct all of the guests to address an envelope to themselves. Before moving on the the opening of gifts you can slip the self addressed, stamped envelopes in the gift bag with the custom note cards. Just imagine how pleased the busy bride- or mom-to-be will be to get such a thoughtful, unique gift. (And you don't have to shop their registry!)

Isn't this a fabulous idea? It's safe to say any bride or expectant mum would be ecstatic to receive this organized and efficient, most thoughtful gift.

Forgive me. I'm traveling down the non-wedding route for a moment and indulging in a personal fashion obsession.

. . .

I have been on the market for what I have coined a "pointer finger ring" for some time now. Although chunky pieces are both glam and fun, I find they are too annoying for everyday wear. I've also decided that my stubby fingers won't allow anything that is too thin. That leaves me with one option: wide-yet-delicate. Huh?

When I saw Emily wearing Korcula's Laura Ring I was smitten. I just adore the lattice pattern and its understated elegance.

I'm going to get over the fact that I didn't find out about Lindley's jewelery sooner. [How did I miss her interview on Dilly Dallas?] This lovely ring [or any of her jewelery for that matter] would be perfect for a bridesmaid gift.

Although your reception is indoors {and the birdcage will most likely be on our welcome table}, wouldn't it be great to use the vintage birdcage more than once?

I'm thinking we could copy this gorgeous look for your outdoor engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or a post-wedding bbq. It could house the cards that you'll inevitably receive along the way. Or, simply carry the bird motif further.

I know many of us are in this same boat, whether we are dreaming of romantic getaways, honeymoons, girls' weekends, back packing trips, or just a little pampering. I also know that due to the financial situation plaguing North America, dreams might not materialize into reality. There are just too many things to be saving pennies for these days.

Many newly engaged couples are reassessing their honeymoon plans based on budget conflicts. Pushing back the date, keeping it local, or downsizing the length of stay are common ways of tackling this issue. What if you could simply save money on your trip?

Keeping this in mind, if you are able to save up a bit of travel dough, Travel Zoo is the place to maximize your [American or Canadian] dollar. If you subscribe to their weekly emails, you can receive the best bets for taking a trip, even if the destination is only hours away. [I know that sometimes all I need is to spend a night in a hotel]. Also, they post new finds daily so it pays to visit often.

If you're itching to travel and are open to the destination, you may become inspired through Travel Zoo. Otherwise, it will fuel your travel dreams with images of sandy beaches, cruising luxury, and spa indulgence.

After a glorious weekend of being unplugged I am back: refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the week.

. . .

First on the Agenda: The Oscars. Can I just mention how great Hugh Jackman was? I love the changes they made this year and think it was be best Oscars I've watched in years. My favorite feature: having the previous winners present the nominees. How touching. Shirley McLain speaking to Anne Hathaway made me cry.

Jennifer Aniston [in a gorgeous Valentino Couture gown] and John Mayer were a stunning couple. He sure cleans up well.

Reese Witherspoon [in a beautiful blue Rodarte number] and Jake Gyllenhaal were as lovely as always.

How adorable are Vanessa Hudgens [in Marchesa] and Zac Efron? I've always thought they were the cutest Young Hollywood couple around and their flawless look at the Oscars simply confirmed this. How amazing was her dress? Honestly... so jealous.

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Next on the Agenda: Weddings! With A&R's wedding quickly approaching, I will be putting together a couple of reception design inspiration boards. Expect another Mountie colour palette, some great Etsy finds, exiting C Star Events news, and other fun do dads. Stay tuned...

2.20.2009

That's right folks: I'm taking the weekend off from the Internet. I'm spending some much needed time with my boys - out doors - as well as doing errands, swooning over Oscar gowns, and going bowling [real, not Wii].

2.19.2009

I was so excited to find Jessica Balfour's photography. Based out of Kelowna, Jessica is an accomplished photographer of life. I word it that way because she has an amazing ability to capture candid, honest, and overwhelmingly touching human emotions. Her portfolio is full of gorgeous weddings and beautiful expressions. Enjoy.

. . .

I love this shot. So playful, so fun. [Plus, a bride in flip flops is my kind of bride].This photo encapsulates an Okanagan Wedding: the lake, the mountains, the sun, and the vineyards. What a dress. This is one of my favorites.Lakeside romance.One of the reason I love Jessica's photography so much is the connection she has with children. An amazing engagement shot, so stunning in B&W.

What better a time to feature her work than today when she has given two pieces to the amazing Joanna Goddard to give away! Check out A CUP OF JOE today and leave a comment to win a bird-cage veil (with vintage rhinestones) or a feather hair clip (with ostrich feathers and a vintage pearl earring). How lovely?

If that wasn't convincing enough, check out some of my favorite pieces:

2.18.2009

When you think Vancouver Photographers, odds are CHRIS+LYNN come to mind. Their dramatic shots grace the pages of every Canadian bridal magazine and their client list is International. The husband and wife team puts it best: "We are two Vancouver wedding photographers in love: with each other, with our profession, with our friends & family, with life!" It is this attitude that makes them so marketable and so successful. Their fabulous website documents their extensive portfolio and is so visually appealing. I know you will enjoy their work [click the photo to get to the corresponding wedding onCHRIS+LYNN's blog].

. . .

I love this shot on Queen Anne hill in Seattle, Washington. The clouds, shadows, and skyline are so dramatic.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is such a renowned landmark. Every wedding photo shoot I've seen at the VAG has been fantastic; this one is no exception. I love how only the couple is in focus amidst the steps and pillars.

When in Vancouver, expect rain. To many brides, a cloudy day may put a damper on the wedding. Not this bride. I love how playful and unique these shots are. What fun!

I just love when wedding photographers are able to capture a couple's unique and personal style as CHRIS+LYNN have done here. I'm digging those socks...

This last wedding is one of my favorites. Not only are the couple and their wedding party gorgeous, but they also had one heck of a celebration. CHRIS+LYNN captured some gems and - because I couldn't decide which ones to post - I've featured a few extra. Lovely work.

The perfect montage to end this post:

. . .

A big thank you to Chris and Lynn for letting me share these fabulous wedding photographs with you.

Be sure to check out their website for portfolios of their favorite emotion-themed shots.